5. Does a bird ever get caught in a trapthat has no bait?Does a trap spring shutwhen there’s nothing to catch?
6. When the ram’s horn blows a warning,shouldn’t the people be alarmed?Does disaster come to a cityunless the lord has planned it?
7. Indeed, the Sovereign lord never does anythinguntil he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
8. The lion has roared—so who isn’t frightened?The Sovereign lord has spoken—so who can refuse to proclaim his message?
9. Announce this to the leaders of Philistiaand to the great ones of Egypt:“Take your seats now on the hills around Samaria,and witness the chaos and oppression in Israel.”
10. “My people have forgotten how to do right,”says the lord.“Their fortresses are filled with wealthtaken by theft and violence.
11. Therefore,” says the Sovereign lord,“an enemy is coming!He will surround them and shatter their defenses.Then he will plunder all their fortresses.”